..::Football III::..

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Getafe 0-3 Real Madrid: Ronaldo and Bale remedy cup hangover

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice either side of a Gareth Bale strike as Real Madrid ran out 3-0 winners over Getafe in La Liga on Sunday.

The Champions League winners were dumped out of the Copa del Rey following a 2-2 draw (4-2 on agg) defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday night, but bounced back immediately in La Liga on Sunday.

Getafe belied form which saw them enter the game without a win in eight league games, although Toni Kroos' half-volley rattled the crossbar just before the break to signal Real's intent.

Needing a win to guarantee top spot with Barcelona playing later in the day, Real eventually found their feet in the second half, with Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo tapping home after good work from James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema.The Colombian also set-up the second, nodded home by Bale, before Ronaldo benefitted from another James assist, taking his tally for the season to 36.

Looking to put their Copa exit behind them, Madrid were quick out the blocks with Benzema and Marcelo going close in the opening stages.

Getafe gave them few troubles, but the visitors also struggled to find a breakthrough, despite their dominance of possession.Benzema got behind the defence to square for Marcelo from the byline, but the Brazilian's effort was well blocked by Emiliano Velazquez.

The lively French striker saw an angled shot denied by the legs of goalkeeper Jordi Codina, who also had to be alert to tip Isco's speculative 30-yard strike over the bar nine minutes before the break.

Jorge Sammir fired high and wide for the hosts following a sweeping breakaway, but Madrid continued to dominate, with Kroos rattling the bar on the stroke of half-time.Benzema and James tested Codina shortly after the break as Getafe's defence gradually began to tire, with a breakthrough seemingly inevitable.

It eventually came in the 63rd minute as James and Benzema again combined down the left, allowing the Frenchman to hit the byline before pulling back to Ronaldo, who was left with a simple finish from eight yards.It was no less than the visitors deserved and the lead was doubled three minutes later, when a superb teasing cross from James on the left was met by an onrushing Bale, who calmly headed home at the far post.

Ronaldo sent a fizzing free-kick just wide of Codina's right-hand post, but did not have to wait long to double his tally, getting on the end of another brilliant cross from Madrid's Colombian star to head home and seal a comfortable win for Carlo Ancelotti's men.

 

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Ancelotti: Real Madrid getting back to their best

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Real Madrid's La Liga title rivals that his side have the ability to keep improving following Sunday's 3-0 win at Getafe.

Real followed Thursday's Copa del Rey exit up with a laboured first-half showing at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, but a Cristiano Ronaldo double sandwiched Gareth Bale's header as the league leaders ultimately cruised to victory.

The Italian highlighted the creative efforts of Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez, respective creators of Ronaldo's opener and the two subsequent strikes, as proof that his side have recovered from a wobble which saw Real defeated at Valencia and Atletico after returning from the mid-season break on the back of a 22-game winning run."Generally we played very well," he said. "At first we didn't play with great intensity.

"In the second half, I liked how the team performed with intelligence. Karim's assist was spectacular."The entire team played well, but the key to the game was Benzema, who did an extraordinary thing through his assist.

"The first half of the season has been very good. We started with some problems and then went on a very good run. The team continue to win and are well positioned."

The coach also feels his side will soon get back to the level which carried them through their incredible winning streak.

"I think the intensity with which we ended the year is coming back. The team are improving."James hadn't been so good physically but since showed himself to be in his best condition.

"Gradually the team are returning [to their best]."Our collective play was great. First Karim, then two more assists from James. Cristiano and Bale finished them off for us."

 

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Van Gaal explains Di Maria striker role

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed why he has chosen to play Angel Di Maria as a striker in recent weeks, citing the Argentina international's pace as the reason for his decision.

The former Barcelona coach has been criticised for leaving Wayne Rooney in midfield and deploying Di Maria further forward in recent fixtures against Southampton and QPR.

The €78 million signing from Real Madrid has struggled to threaten in front of goal in his new role, but Van Gaal believes that the risk he has taken in playing Di Maria out of position is paying off for the team.

"I think pace is always important, which is why we try to play with Angel Di Maria as a striker," he told MUTV following the win at Loftus Road.

"When I changed the shape, I wanted speed or pace also in the attacking line, that’s why I changed in that way. It’s a change in attack that brings lot of risk, but we have won 2-0 and I think it was deserved."

The Dutch boss also looked to praise his defence as they registered a clean sheet against the Rs at Loftus Road.

"The defensive organisation has been good from the beginning," he added.

"We have only one match against Leicester City that was five goals and, because of that, we had bad average against us, but I think we have a very good defensive organisation so that is not a problem."

 

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My fitness is not to blame for Ancelotti picking Pepe, insists Varane

Raphael Varane says he is fully fit and ready to play as often as he is selected by Carlo Ancelotti after featuring for the full 90 minutes in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Getafe on Sunday.

The France international’s start against Getafe was just his sixth in La Liga this season, while Pepe – his rival for selection alongside Sergio Ramos in the centre of defence – has been named on the team-sheet 14 times.

Varane saw his playing time often restricted during the 2013-14 campaign because of a knee problem, but the defender says those problems are long behind him this year as he tries to cement his place in the starting XI.

"Pepe and Sergio Ramos have played more than me, but when it is my time I try to do my best for the team," the 21-year-old said after the match."I have had one year without my knee hurting and I am capable of playing every three days without discomfort."

Varane again moved to dismiss reports linking him with a move to Bayern Munich, saying he plans to see out his long-term contract at the Bernabeu.He said: "I am 100 per cent with this team. I am happy here and I have a contract until 2020."

Discussing the victory over Getafe, which came courtesy of a double by Cristiano Ronaldo and another from Gareth Bale, the stopper said he was not concerned even though it took until the 63rd minute for his side to break the deadlock."We were not worried," added Varane. "We wanted to win and had the determination to do it. Benzema made a great move to set up the opening goal and he is very happy.

"Our important objectives are the league and the Champions League. We have time to prepare for games, which is good."Madrid return to action next Saturday with an away La Liga clash against Cordoba.

 

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Playing with Ronaldo makes it easy - Benzema

Playing with Cristiano Ronaldo makes it easier for Karim Benzema to do "extraordinary" things, the Real Madrid striker insists.

The forward pulled off an excellent piece of skill to get to the byline and cut back to his team-mate to slot home for the opening goal in his side's 3-0 win over Getafe on Sunday.

The Frenchman's piece of play was hailed by coach Carlo Ancelotti, but Benzema himself feels he is aided by the presence of the Portuguese star.

"I always work to be as good as I was in this game," he told reporters. "Cristiano is the best in the world and with him it is easier.

"We have played many games, but we have a team good enough to handle it. For me, Madrid are the best team, but now it is very difficult because the teams are coming back strong against us."

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas praised his side's performance, but says he is still hurt they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Atletico Madrid in midweek.

He said: "The pitch was not in good condition, but despite that we have answered back and did not give up.

"Unfortunately we lost in the cup. We were the champions, but now we have no excuses.

"When we win, we play more relaxed. Now we can better prepare for matches and training. As Ronaldo said, hopefully it is a case of one step back and then two steps forward."

 

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'He can't leave' - Mourinho on Salah future

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed talk that Mohamed Salah is set to leave the club during the January transfer window.

Salah was signed from Basel in the corresponding window last year, but has found regular first-team opportunities hard to come by with the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Oscar all ahead of him in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

In almost a year in west London, Salah has made just 13 Premier League appearances and Besiktas are understood to be keen on acquiring the Egypt international, with the Turkish club's president Fikret Orman recently confirming he was in talks with Chelsea chiefs over a possible deal for a mystery player, understood to be Salah.

"I was in England and held talks with Chelsea but it would be wrong to disclose who the negotiations were regarding," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Star.

Salah was an unused substitute for Chelsea's 5-0 hammering of Swansea City on Saturday, but Mourinho later refuted any suggestions that Salah would be allowed to move on.

"He can't leave, I have 20 players today with Didier [Drogba] a bit ill and [Cesar] Azpilicueta injured," the manager said.

"I had all my players here today, just [Nathan] Ake in the stands.

"I have a very short squad, I need everybody. For Salah to leave someone has to come, and I don't think we are going to let Salah go on loan and then spend some money to bring somebody else in.

"So I don't think so, unless my club comes to me and says Salah goes on loan and we are going to buy a €65 million player."

 

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Hummels: Dortmund’s problems are mental

Dortmund defender Mats Hummels says his side’s failings this season are down to a mental fragility that has infected the squad during a run of six defeats in seven Bundesliga outings last year.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were tipped to once again do battle with Bayern Munich for the league title this season, but instead find themselves languishing second from bottom in the German top flight.

And Germany international Hummels says they will only rediscover their form once they restore the confidence that saw them win back-to-back league titles in 2011 and 2012.

“We have fought hard in every game it is very rare that the opponent have been the better side. But we have rarely won and so it has become problem in our heads,” Hummels told Welt am Sonntag.

"What we must to do is move away from the bottom of the table. Preferably as fast as we can. All I want is for us to stop wasting our potential."

Hummels has been consistently linked with an exit from Signal Iduna Park with Premier League duo Manchester United and Arsenal both thought to be interested in the World Cup winner.

Reports suggest that Hummels may seek a move with Dortmund struggling to contest next season's Champions League, but he insists it is not imperative he plays in Europe's premier competition.

"As a general rule I don't have to play in the Champions League to be happy," he added.

"In 2008 when I came to Dortmund [on loan from Bayern Munich] the Champions League was far away. In 2009 when I decided to stay permanently, that [the Champions League] was not the decisive reason for staying."

Dortmund managed just one victory in their last six league matches prior to the winter break.

 

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Destro discusses Roma exit talk

Mattia Destro refused to shed light on rumours linking him with a move away from Roma after helping the Serie A title hopefuls to a 1-1 draw at Palermo on Saturday.Destro marked his first start in over a month with a goal, rescuing a point for Rudi Garcia's men nine minutes into the second half at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The 23-year-old's future has been the topic of discussion amid links to Serie A rivals Milan during the January transfer window, while Inter, Liverpool, Arsenal,
Chelsea and Tottenham are possible destinations.

"I am a Roma player right now," Destro told Sky Sport Italia."My position is that I am a striker, I want to do well, to play and to score. We didn't win, but I am happy that I scored."

Destro was the hero for visiting Roma after being handed a rare start by coach Rudi Garcia.After highly-rated Argentinean striker Paulo Dybala gave Palermo a second-minute lead, Destro slid in to restore parity for Roma in the 54th minute.

"I missed scoring goals, it was important to me and I'm happy it arrived tonight," said Destro."When I get the opportunity to play I always try to give my best. It's a shame we didn't get the victory.

"We played against an excellent side and drawing here is to be considered a good result. We wanted the win, but are satisfied with a point."

 

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Guardiola urges Messi to stay at Barcelona in secret phone call

Pep Guardiola has urged Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona, advising the Argentina international to remain patient and show faith in the project of current boss Luis Enrique.

Last week the four-time world player of the year appeared to be as close as ever to a Camp Nou exit after admitting he was unsure where he would be playing his football next season.

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have since been linked with a world record move for the forward, who was said to be unhappy at being dropped from the Barca side that lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad earlier this month.

Bayern Munich coach Guardiola told Messi he should appreciate what he means to Barcelona and what the club has given him, both in his professional and personal life. Guardiola also reminded the 27-year-old of the unanimous support he has from everyone at the club, stressing that no other club can show him the same level of backing.

Messi has always listened to those he respects and owes so much of his career to and the sentiments of his former mentor Guardiola have made a real impression on him. The duo won three Liga titles, two Champions League crowns and two club world titles during Guardiola's four seasons with the club.

Pep insisted that Luis Enrique has what it takes to be successful with the Catalan giants and urged Messi to remain calm and committed to the club, vowing that the upcoming presidential elections would bring to an end what has been a turbulent 12 months or so for the club.

Former chief Sandro Rosell was forced to step down after revealing the controversial financial details of the club’s acquisition of Brazil star Neymar. A two-window transfer embargo was then enforced by Fifa after the club were found to have breached regulations regarding the transfers of under-18 players.

Messi, who does not have a close relationship with Luis Enrique or any of the members of the current board, was relieved to receive the reassurances from his former boss.

 

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Manchester City 0-2 Arsenal: Wenger masterclass produces shock win

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Cazorla patta

 

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Juventus 4-0 Verona: Tevez scores twice as champions go five points clear

Carlos Tevez scored twice as Juventus recorded another resounding win over Verona to go five points clear at the top of Serie A.

Massimiliano Allegri's men obliterated the same opposition 6-1 in the Coppa Italia on Thursday and Juve were utterly dominant once again, making the most of Roma's 1-1 draw at Palermo on Saturday to extend their lead at the summit.

Paul Pogba got the hosts off to a fine start with an excellent long-range drive after just three minutes and Tevez swiftly doubled their advantage, leaving Verona with a huge task on their hands.

Juve had drawn each of their last two home games in Serie A, but the defending champions never looked in danger of making it three in a row as Andrea Pirlo, Martin Caceres and Alvaro Morata all went close.

But it was midfielder Roberto Pereyra, starting in place of the ill Arturo Vidal, who eventually put Juve 3-0 up, confidently dispatching with 24 minutes to go before Tevez doubled his tally eight minutes later.

Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini had urged his team to claim vengeance for the midweek thrashing, but it appeared to be another case of damage limitation after slipping 2-0 down after just seven minutes.

Pogba broke the deadlock in the third minute, finding the bottom-right corner with an unstoppable strike from 30 yards.

Fresh from scoring against Verona for the second time in four days, Pogba was then involved in Juve's second goal four minutes later, but on this occasion the France international allowed Caceres' low cross to run, with Tevez on hand to steer home emphatically.

Things almost got even worse for the visitors in the 12th minute, although goalkeeper Rafael was able to tip a Pirlo free kick around the post.

Juve were in absolute control and again went close nine minutes before half-time, as Caceres dragged an effort agonisingly wide after Pirlo saw a free-kick blocked.

The second half continued in a similar vein and Morata tried his luck with 50 minutes on the clock, narrowly missing the bottom-left corner from 30 yards.

Juve looked destined to finally add a third on the counterattack a few minutes later, but Morata hammered a cross at the unmarked Tevez, giving the Argentinian little chance of bringing it under control.

It was 3-0 in the 66th minute when Pereyra, who also netted against Verona on Thursday, raced on to an incisive Giorgio Chiellini pass and coolly stroked into the roof of the net.

Tevez then scored his second of the game and 13th Serie A goal of the season with 16 minutes to go, charging past a couple of defenders before beating Rafael from an acute angle, wrapping up an easy win for the champions.

 

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Deportivo 0-4 Barcelona: Messi bags sublime hat-trick as Blaugrana cruise

Lionel Messi scored a brilliant hat-trick as Barcelona sealed a comfortable 4-0 win over Deportivo on Sunday.

The week leading up to Barca's visit to the Riazor had been dominated by discussions over Messi's future following comments he made prior to Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Messi fuelled further speculation by stating "I don't know where I'll be next year" at the gala in Zurich.

However, the diminutive forward showcased his commitment to Barca with a fine treble in Galicia, going one better than Cristiano Ronaldo - who beat him to the Ballon d'Or - following the Portugal international's double in Real Madrid's 3-0 success at Getafe earlier in the day.

The deadlock was broken in the 10th minute by a sublime header from Messi, who then rounded off a free-flowing team move in the 33rd minute.

And Messi's 30th treble for the club was completed just after the hour mark with a fierce low drive into the bottom-right corner. A Sidnei own goal seven minutes from time made it 4-0.

Victory for Barca keeps the Catalan club one point adrift of leaders Real, while Depor are just a point above the relegation zone.

Messi was denied by a fine save from Fabricio low down to his right following a corner in the ninth minute.

However, the Argentina star beat the Deportivo goalkeeper with a magnificent header a minute later.

Midfielder Ivan Rakitic whipped a superb curling delivery from the right and Messi was there to power it over Fabricio and into the top-right corner from 12 yards.

Depor were left to chase shadows for the majority of the first half and Barca would have doubled their lead had Luis Suarez not wasted a glorious chance.

Suarez latched on to a wonderful chipped ball over the top of the Depor defence, only to shoot wide from point-blank range with Messi in space to his right ready to tap in.

But when Messi's opportunity for a second did come, he took it in brilliant fashion.

Messi curled a precise pass to Neymar on the left flank, surged into the box to meet the return ball and expertly loft it over Fabricio.

Former Barca man Isaac Cuenca then curled over the crossbar from six yards out at the other end before Messi spurned a chance for a hat-trick as he fired high off target.

Midfielder Jose Rodriguez was brought on for Ivan Cavaleiro by Depor coach Victor Fernandez after half-time.

And the hosts went close to halving the deficit as Juan Dominguez drew a fine reflex save from Claudio Bravo with a flicked close-range volley.

Any hopes of a Depor comeback, however, were swiftly ended by Messi, who cut in from the left and unleashed a low strike that left Fabricio with no chance.

Barca, with a Copa del Rey tie against Atletico Madrid on the horizon on Wednesday, took their foot off the gas in the closing stages.

But Luis Enrique's side were still able to add a fortunate fourth as Dani Alves' right-wing cross bounced off centre-backs Alberto Lopo and Sidnei and into the net.

 

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PSG displays worry Blanc

Laurent Blanc believes his Paris Saint-Germain team will struggle against big teams unless they improve dramatically soon.

PSG came from behind to beat Evian 4-2 on Sunday in a laboured performance, with Javier Pastore and Edinson Cavani scoring late to secure the win and keep them within four points of Ligue 1 leaders Lyon.And while delighted to have got the victory, coach Blanc said he was unhappy at how his team could not kill the game off sooner.

"We are happy with the three points. This is paramount. But our behaviour is something we have to find a solution for," he told Al Jazeera."In this area, we have room for improvement. If we are not consistent on the field, we cannot achieve what we want.

"By having this behaviour and our intermittent concentration, it will not be enough against the big teams. "It takes work to be ready in very big games. We cannot consider any game to be a small match."

 

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'We did that many times, believe me' - Wenger plays down Arsenal masterclass

Arsene Wenger sought to play down Arsenal's display after watching his side beat champions Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Goals from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud secured victory for the Gunners, with the north London outfit impressing with a disciplined showing against the Premier League champions.

Wenger's side have been criticised for being too open in recent weeks, but the former Monaco coach does not think his tactics were too far-removed from the way his team usually plays.

"Look, we did that many times, believe me," he told Sky Sports. "I think it's more down to everybody doing well in their job.

"As well, what you forget when you say we attack [is] if in some games away from home we're one or two-nil down after 20 minutes you have no choice other than to open yourself up.

"Today in the big game the first goal dictates 80 per cent of the times the way of the game. Today we scored first and of course that changes the game as well.

"You forget that we had many defenders out for the season. You could see today the centre-backs together, they are a good partnership and it takes time to get back to that level.

"Many players have been out for two or three months to this season."

Arsenal's performance was helped by an impressive display by Francis Coquelin, with the midfielder starting his fifth straight match following a loan spell at Charlton Athletic.

And though Wenger's side have been linked with a number of defensive midfielders during the January transfer window, he hinted that Coquelin could be the answer to the club's issues in that position.

He added: "Look, sometimes the fact that you have to find solutions internally is a blessing and at the moment it works well."

 

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Pellegrini: Manchester City paid for lack of creativity against Arsenal

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini admits that a lack of creative spark played a big role in his side's 2-0 defeat by Arsenal.

A Santi Cazorla penalty and Olivier Giroud's second-half header ensured that the Premier League champions suffered their first defeat in 15 games at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Pellegrini felt aggrieved by Mike Dean's decision to award the spot-kick, with Vincent Kompany adjudged to have fouled Nacho Monreal in the first half despite the Chilean's argument that the full-back went down too easily, but he acknowledged a below-par performance from the hosts.

"There are two principal reasons [for the defeat]: one was the penalty, which changed the game," the City boss told Sky Sports. "I don't think it was a penalty but it was unnecessary [for Kompany] to do it.

"The movement of Kompany allows [Monreal] to dive. I am not saying it was a bad mistake of the referee. The penalty changed the game but it was not the reason we lost.

"After that the game changed and we didn't really have any chances to score. We were not a creative team; we didn't have the ideas to cause damage in their defence. We have a lot of time on the ball but, without creativity, it is not possible to score goals.

"I always give credit to the team that wins the game. Arsenal played very concentrated. We ran the whole game, pressed very well, but we didn't have the ideas of how to create the space in their defence. I think we are a better team than the way we played."

City are now five points adrift of leaders Chelsea and travel to Stamford Bridge for their next Premier League game on February 1 but Pellegrini warned the Blues of the threat posed by his side.

"[Avoiding defeat by Chelsea] is important because it is a long way to recover the eight points," he remarked. "Now they are five points in front, we have to play against Chelsea and we will try to prepare to win that game and close that gap again.

"We allow Chelsea to be five points in front. I don't think this is finished. With a win or draw we can continue fighting."

 

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Pogba: I'm worth nothing unless I keep working

Paul Pogba has stressed that he is not worth any amount of money as speculation over his Juventus future intensifies.

The Frenchman has been in fine form for the Italian champions this term and opened the scoring in their 4-0 victory over Hellas Verona on Sunday.

His agent claimed earlier this week that he would leave the club sooner rather than later and reports this week had suggested he could be heading to Madrid to discuss a potential move to the European champions.

However, the former Manchester United midfielder insists he is not worth any transfer fee unless he continues to work hard to improve his game.

"I am worth €0. I am worth nothing unless I work on the field in every single game," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"I hope for the Ballon d'Or in the future, but I have a lot of work for that.

"I need to do more. I want to be a champion like Andrea [Pirlo] Gigi [Buffon] and [Giorgio] Chiellini. I want to be one of the best in the world and must do everything to reach that level."

Sunday's victory in Turin sent Juve five points clear at the top of Serie A.

 

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Messi's level has never dropped, insists Luis Enrique

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says Lionel Messi has not once allowed his standards to drop this season after his hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.

The Catalan club moved back within one point of leaders Real Madrid thanks to Messi's treble and a late own goal from Sidnei.

Messi's sublime showing came at the end of a week filled with speculation over his future following remarks he made before Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony, when he claimed he did not know where he would be playing his football next season.

Luis Enrique, however, was quick to praise his side's diminutive talisman and insists he has never been below par at any point in the campaign.

"He has been at a very high level throughout the season. At no time has it lowered," he said after the match.

Luis Enrique's side had been held by Getafe and beaten 1-0 by Real Sociedad in their last two away games in the league before Sunday's win, and although Barca were always in command at the Riazor, their coach remains far from totally satisfied with their performance levels.

"We have always had defensive intensity away from home," he added.

"We must be efficient in attack and in defence. But there are things to improve in both phases. Victories help."

 

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Barclays Premier League 2015.01.19 Fixture

Barclays Premier League 2015.01.19 Fixture

Everton Vs WBA

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Origi 'unlikely' to join Liverpool in January - Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has revealed Liverpool are unlikely to bring Divock Origi's move from Lille forward to January.

Liverpool signed Origi last July, but it was agreed the forward would remain with Lille on loan for the season - but reports circulated he could return to Anfield ahead of schedule to bolster the club's strikeforce.

However, with Daniel Sturridge closing in on his long-awaited return to action and having recalled Jordon Ibe from his loan spell with Derby County, Rodgers expects Origi to stay put in January.

"That was the original deal [for the player to remain with Lille this season]," Rodgers told talkSPORT.

"There were a few discussions between the clubs in January to see where it was at, but the likelihood is he'll stay at Lille."

Rodgers went on to reiterate his excitement at the prospect of welcoming Origi, who rose in prominence during the World Cup in Brazil last year, to Anfield ahead of next season.

"I think he's a real exciting young talent - you saw him in the World Cup," he added. "He's got everything... he's suited to the Premier League.

"He can play through the middle or on the side. Everything is set up for him to come here and do well."

 

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Bayern want the treble again, says Ribery

Bayern Munich attacker Franck Ribery says the club are targeting a repeat of their treble success two seasons ago this term.

The Allianz Arena side won the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Pokal in 2013 under Jupp Heynckes and Ribery is desperate to do the same thing again with Pep Guardiola now in charge.

"I am dreaming of winning the treble again," Ribery was quoted as saying by Bild.

"I will never forget how I felt after winning it in 2012-13. It was like we were flying. It's a great feeling, it's utter madness. I definitely want to have that feeling again at some stage of my career."

Bayern missed out on the treble last term as Real Madrid proved to be too strong in the semi-finals of the Champions League, but Ribery says that defeat has helped improve the side.

"All the conditions are right to have another amazing season. The defeat against Real Madrid last term only made us stronger."

Bayern currently lead the Bundesliga table with 45 points from 17 games and hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Wolfsburg.

Pep Guardiola's men meet Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League round of 16, while Eintracht Braunschweig await in the DFB Pokal.